ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo of the United States once again dazzled in his sophomore MMA outing at ONE 173 last Nov. 16.
But despite his dominating first-round submission win over Shozo Isojima at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, the 22-year-old perfectionist wasn’t entirely satisfied with his performance.
Ruotolo shot out of a cannon as soon as the bell rang, pushing forward and peppering the Japanese standout with ballistic strikes.
The youngest IBJJF world champion’s combinations caught Isojima off guard. By the time he adjusted by keeping a tight guard, Ruotolo had already dragged him to the canvas.
The end came shortly after the Atos representative took his back and cinched in a rear-naked choke.
After shattering Isojima’s perfect 6-0 record, Ruotolo cashed in another $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
However, Ruotolo remained critical of his performance during the ONE 173 post-fight interviews. He said:
“Today, I looked really sloppy looking at the highlights. I don’t know, I just wanted to get to kill, you know? So I definitely got to get back at the team and slow things down, but it felt really good to come out on top again. Super stoked.”
Tye Ruotolo does not believe in stat-padding and facing opponents he knows he can beat.
The 22-year-old has always wanted to test himself against the best during his decorated grappling career, and applies the same mindset in his MMA transition.
The reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion said in his in-ring interview with Mitch Chilson:
